you should almost always wear a base layer. i have 7 or 8, different weights, some sleeveless, some short sleeves and some long sleeve

+1 I have a couple of different weight wool base layers and some coolmax shirts I use as base layers.

Getting the waterproof pants depends on whether it bothers you if your tights get wet. I don't mind if my legs get wet, but I hate soggy shoes. And I wear a jacket because I don't like when water runs off my helmet and down my back.

Originally Posted by Xerum 525

Now get on your cheap bike and give me a double century. You walking can of Crisco!!

40? Base layer, short sleeve jersey with arm warmers, short bibs with knee warmers (could go with leg warmers but shins have little feeling) light wind breaking jacket with removable sleeves to make it a vest, good socks, headcover like a cap or bandana, long finger gloves. This allows me to not buy lots of long sleeve jerseys/pants and still get a good amount of covering and layering to peel off as I get warmer. I sweat easily so the moisture wicking issue is important.

Another item i'll be using for many commutes is old thin merino wool sweaters. I can use them over or even under a layer to provide some very nice warmth even when wet.

1200 - Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things. I would definitely recommend the Pearl Izumi Thermal Tights. I have a pair I bought a few years back and they are a standby for my cold weather commute. They even do a decent job of shedding light rain, but will get wet if it really starts to pour. Base layers in wool or sythetic do a good job of keeping you warm and still wicking away moisture - as Cbad recommended, a variety in different weights, sleeve lengths, etc. will allow you to dress for the weather and stay comfortable.

Never been a big fan of Toe Covers, but that may be because I've never found any that slip easily over my shoes.

I find myself wearing knickers more in cooler weather, 40's-50's.. I don't put the tights on unless it's in the 30's which is pretty rare.. I found that good wool socks works just as well as toe booties..

Thx, heading over to PB after I get a ride in after work today to check stuff out. Been looking online forever but I can't pull the trigger w/o knowing what size fits right. Too many options out there.